Original item: Only one Available. This rifle is 100% all British manufacture late production Three-Band Snider-Enfield rifle, with a fantastic look! This example was purchased directly from a Veteran of the War in Afghanistan, who brought this back in 2006, and comes with a copy of the original bring back documentation. These old rifles had remained there since the colonial wars of the Victorian era, and in many cases were still well cared for. In some cases they were actually still in use! Many similar old British guns were send back home during the 2000s by both service members as well as civilians involved in the conflict.

This particular example is still in great shape, and has not been highly modified like so many we see. The lock plate is dated a bit late for a MkI*, so it may have had parts swapped out, but all appear to be of original British manufacture. We assume that this was offered up for sale at one of the many local store in Afghanistan before being purchased and brought home

The lock on this very nice example is marked 1870 / ENFIELD, indicating manufacture at the Royal Small Arms factory at Enfield Lock. a storied production facility that produced and developed many British small arms during the 19th and 10th centuries. Above this is the correct "Lock Viewer's" CROWN / ARROW marking, and it also carries the stamping of the CROWN / V.R. across its tail. The V.R. proof indicates this rifle was made for the British Military, and was not an export rifle intended to be used by local forces.

In fine service used shape, it is fitted with an early Mark I* action, as marked on the "shoe" over the chamber. It is also marked with a WD War Department proof and other markings, probably indicating production at Enfield. The breech block is an early version which only has a small locking latch at the bottom rear of the receiver, which still locks quite well. There are proof marks on the bottom of the breech block, as well as what may be a maker mark. The right side of the barrel under the rear sight is marked with 3556. There are additional proofs on the action, and on many of the other components as well.

The metalwork overall has a lovely polished patina, showing some past light oxidation in areas. The lock is still fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, and it has the correct "flat" face of this version of the Snider. The breech unlocks correctly, with an intact firing pin, and can be pulled back to eject spent cartridge casings. The barrel shows three groove rifling, and is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear land and grooves, with just a bit of fouling and oxidation in the grooves. There is also overall wear, so the edges of the lands are a bit round.

The stock is in lovely condition, and looks to have been cleaned repeatedly over the years, which has made the stock cartouches on the right butt stock faint. There are the expected dents and other wear from long service, but no major damage such as cracks or large chunks missing. Both sling swivels are present, as well as an original cleaning rod. The rear sight is present and fully functional, still bearing western numerals.

This rifle was brought back from Afghanistan by Robert E. Branco, and comes with what looks to be the original bringback AFFIDAVIT, identifying the rifle as an “Enfield", giving the year of manufacture as 1870, serial number N/A as the rifle itself has no serial. The document is notarized with a stamp from the Judge Advocate of the United States Army, and has a CENTCOM stamp dated 16 SEP 2006.

An All British P-1866 Snider Rifle made at ENFIELD that saw service during the Anglo-Afghan wars, and then stayed behind to be found by a USGI during the 21st century. in splendid condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1870
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 36.5 inches
Overall Length: 54 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block

History of the Snider rifle- Jacob Snider, an American from New York, developed this breech loading system for the P-1853 Enfield, the most prolific imported Percussion rifle in use by both the North and South during the U.S. Civil War. When the British Board of Ordnance appointed a Select Committee in 1864 the Snider system was swiftly adopted with the first breech loaders being issued in 1865 to British forces.

Improved in 1867 by the use of Colonel Boxer's center fire brass bodied cartridge, the rifle was used very effectively in the Abyssinian Campaign of 1868. The system utilized a hinged breech block with an internal firing pin assembly that permitted the use of a self contained cartridge of lead bullet in cardboard, and, after 1867, brass casing. This highly efficient conversion system prolonged the active life of the P-1853 rifles up until 1871 when the Martini System was adopted. Snider rifles saw continued use throughout the Empire but were officially obsoleted by the late 1880s.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.